Overview
On this episode of Build Your Network, Host Travis Chappell interviews David Burkus, a best-selling author, sought after speaker and associate professor of leadership and innovation.
Topics Discussed:
- About David Burkus
- He just published a new book, Friend of a Friend.
- He has a Ted Talk that’s been viewed over 1.8 million times.
- He’s a regular contributor to Harvard Business Review.
- Do you believe that what you know or who you know is more important, and why?
- Who you know, and more importantly who you know is inside your control.
- The big idea is that we need to redefine networking.
- If you want to grow your network, you need to understand the network that’s already around you.
- He translated the science of networking into something that’s readable and created his book.
- Give us an example of the science in the book?
- They did a deep dive on the concept of “six degrees of separation.”
- We’re better off trying to get as many possible introductions in the beginning and to work backwards.
- The idea that you need to have a huge rolodex to meet someone famous is outdated.
- In writing this book, were you trying to bring awareness to the idea of who you know being important?
- For a lot of people, networks are an organic thing.
- We need to be intentional about all our networks, even the least important.
- Is it harmful or hurtful to seek out people who are in your field specifically?
- Structural holes, as people become closer to each other, every new connection you make is redundant.
- The people who provide the most value in a network are those who build a bridge between networks.
- Networking is a science and an art.
- If you’re embedded in the community you can start to become a bridge.
- Look for related fields to bridge to.
- Very few people he wrote about were aware of the research although they were in line with it.
- Talk about the idea of super connectors.
- They’re more likely to be a bridge but aren’t always.
- A super connector is anyone who has a disproportionate number of connections.
- Preferential attachment – The more connections you have, the more potential introductions you have.
- It’s like a compound interest effect.
- You should be participating in events with more structure –
- Volunteering for a non-profit
- Brainstorming sessions, etc.
- If you were to put together the ultimate networking conference, what would it look like?
- A mix of old and weak connections.
- The day begins with an activity.
- Morning begins with a talk or keynote.
- Meals are all planned for where you’re mixed in with people.
- Small mastermind format.
- Another activity
- Planned out dinner
- Move back and forth between content and activities.
- Do you have any tips for leaving a conversation that you’re fed up with?
- You should be the first person to break it off because then you look like you’re being mindful of their time.
- Ask for their card if they’ve got one.
- In Asian cultures the business card is a ritual.
- How do you view paying for masterminds?
- He has a hard time mentally with the idea, however, they require a skilled and trained facilitator.
The Random Round:
- What profession other than your own do you think it would be fun to attempt?
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- If you could sit on a park bench with anyone for an hour who would it be, and why?
- Milton Hershey
- Toward the end of his life he started a school for orphans.
- He formed a trust for the school and gave the shares to the trust.
- How do you like to consume content?
- Books are the favorite.
- Give us a book and podcast recommendation.
- Ryan Hawk – Learning Leader Podcast
- The Opposable Mind – Roger Martin
- Give us a glimpse of your morning routine
- Wake up and get kids ready for school
- Deep work time
- Normal Jiu Jitsu practice
- Phone calls, podcast interviews, etc. in the afternoon.
- Come upstairs and hang with family
- What is your go-to pump up song?
- Eye of the Tiger
- What are you not very good at?
- International level Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- What is one place where we can find you online?
- Davidburkus.com
Tweetable Quotes:
- If you have a Facebook account, you’re really only 2-3 degrees away from anyone.
- The people who provide the most value in a network are those who build a bridge between networks.
- In masterminds, you’re paying for the facilitator and if that person is good, it’s worth the money.
Resources Mentioned:
Buildyournetwork.com – Podcast website
BYN.media/fb – Facebook Group
Friend of a Friend – book by David Burkus
The Opposable Mind by Roger Martin
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